[sturmkraehe]

This is the first review of 4th that I've read that doesn't seem to be firmly entrenched in either camp (4th Suxors!/4th greatest evah!). The historical break- down of the D&D products was a firm reminder of the problems associated with each set. It was also nice to see somone who realizes that multiple add-on products is nothing new with D&D.

It was also nice to see someone review this product on here that has actually PLAYED the game. I know that capsule reviewing is allowed on here, but given the degree of heat 4th is getting I would think that there should be some peer pressure to play the game before making any comments on how it plays.

The critiques made by this reviewer are appropriate. I've played my group up to third level so far and I echo the reviewers praise/concerns.

I do think it bears mentioning, though, that 4th does rely significantly more on a grid for movement/battle. While you could conduct battle without a mapboard it would be tough to represent some of the powers. Personally, I love the grid, but there are some RPG'ers who want their RPG's to work a very specific way (they don't like battle, they don't like miniatures, etc.). These RPG'ers will not enjoy this version of the game (though I am surprised that D&D in any form ever appealed to this variety of RPG'er given the number of other RPG's who handle their preferred method of play so much better).

Finally, the software for the features advertised to work with the insider webpage is not complete at this time. While I hope it delivers on all of its promises we won't know whether it's buggy or not until we get a chance to use it. I would not invest in 4th until these features were running *IF* this was my primary reason for buying. Otherwise, I think the reviewer hit the nail on the head better than anyone else on this site with a balanced and fair evaluation of the merits of 4th ed. D&D.